Spanish Conversation · Level 123
60 words
Spanish word
semáforo
Pronunciation
IPA/seˈmafoɾo/
Meaning
- masculine nountraffic light
Example
El semáforo está en rojo.
The traffic light is red.
More examples
Cruza cuando el semáforo peatonal esté en verde.
Cross when the pedestrian signal is green.
Core concept
A roadside signal of colored lights that controls vehicle and pedestrian movement.
Common phrases
luz del semáforo
traffic light signal
semáforo peatonal
pedestrian signal
respetar el semáforo
obey the traffic light
Similar words
señal: Displays information or warnings on roads and public places using signs or symbols.
luz: Emits visible light from a source, lamp, or bulb.
semáforo peatonal: Indicates when pedestrians may cross with walk/don't-walk lights or crossing symbols.
Definition in Spanish
Aparato con luces que indica cuándo deben detenerse o avanzar los vehículos y peatones en la vía.
Word origin
It is borrowed from French sémaphore and ultimately from Greek sema 'sign' and phoros 'carrier', reflecting a device that carries a sign to indicate movement.
Usage tips
- Spanish speakers often use the traffic light as a landmark in directions (for example, 'gira al semáforo' or 'queda en el semáforo') rather than naming the intersecting street.
Other meanings
- semaphorenoun